Agglutination of spermatozoa - the cause of male infertility?

Today a fairly large number of married couples are faced with a problem of infertility. In almost half the cases, the cause is the male factor. However, at the present time, thanks to modern methods of diagnosis, treatment and reproduction, such couples can have their own child.

Usually, spouses are advised to start a test after a year of trying to become pregnant. However, today this period is sometimes extended to two years. On the other hand, now doctors strongly recommend to be examined already at the stage of planning the baby. This avoids unpleasant surprises during pregnancy, reduces the risk of developing various pathologies.

Examination of a man necessarily implies spermogram delivery. This analysis allows you to judge not only about his fertility, but also the presence of problems with the reproductive system.

One of the most important indicators in the study of ejaculate is the agglutination of spermatozoa. This phenomenon of their gluing together with different parts. In normal semen, the agglutination of spermatozoa should be completely absent. Because it not only reduces their mobility, but also interferes with normal fertilization.

In the spermogram, the degree of agglutination must be indicated with the help of the number of pluses:

• "+" - single groups with no more than 5 coalesced spermatozoa;

• "++" - the groups are single, but in them from 10 to 20 cells;

• "+++" - the total number of groups more than 5, in each several dozen spermatozoa;

• "++++" - stuck together cells dominate the field of view.

Moderate agglutination of sperm can be observed in fertile, healthy men. However, if its rate is high, it can talk about the immunological factor of infertility, as well as chronic inflammation or autoimmune processes in the body.

There is also a false agglutination. This phenomenon of adherence of spermatozoa is not among themselves, but with lumps of mucus, destroyed cells, macrophages, epithelium.

In addition, agglutination should be distinguished from another indicator of spermogram - aggregation. This is the presence of sites of sperm accumulation. Aggregation reduces their mobility and can indicate abnormalities and diseases in the body of a man.

If an agglutination of spermatozoa is found, then it is necessary to be examined for infection to avoid inflammation. Especially if the number of leukocytes and red blood cells in the spermogram is increased.

However, most often agglutination of spermatozoa, the treatment of which depends on its cause, is a consequence of the production of antisperm antibodies (ACAT) by the immune system of a man. In order to confirm this assumption, it is necessary to make a spermogram with the MAR-test.

The purpose of this study is to identify ACAT in a male ejaculate. They damage the membrane of the spematozoids, gluing with them.

If the cause of agglutination is antisperm antibodies, then treatment should be carried out only if it hinders conception. No other inconvenience to the man they do not deliver. If agglutination is a consequence of inflammation, then it must be treated. It is necessary, with the help of additional tests, to establish the pathogen and to conduct the necessary therapy.

In any case, a deviation in the spermogram is an occasion to visit a urologist or andrologist. In addition, before you draw any conclusions, you need to do it several times, observing all the rules for putting the ejaculate.

Sometimes, with minor deviations, it is enough to normalize food, work and rest, give up alcohol and tobacco, drink vitamin complexes. Vitamins E, C, folic acid, as well as fructose and zinc are very important for male fertility.

If conservative treatment does not give the desired result, then one can always resort to reproductive technologies. Artificial insemination, IVF, ICSI have proven themselves in the fight against male infertility.

Thus, agglutination of spermatozoa is a deviation from the norm, but if it is slightly expressed, pregnancy can come naturally. Treatment of this pathology depends on its cause, but more often it is ACAT. Therapy should be prescribed only by a qualified specialist. If it is unsuccessful, you can use reproductive technologies.